From ministry to marketing to the role of “business doula,” Lyndsie Blakely has built her career around helping people succeed. On November 1, 2026, she stepped into a new role as acting chief executive officer (CEO) of Letterpress Communications, bringing that same people-first philosophy to the agency's leadership.
Blakely joined the Farmville, Virginia-based marketing agency in 2016 and has helped shape its operations and team ever since. As acting CEO, she'll continue serving as chief operations officer (COO) while helping guide Letterpress’ community-powered marketing into its next chapter.
From Community Collaboration to Company Leadership
Blakely first connected with Letterpress as Farmville prepared to host the Vice Presidential Debate in 2016. The team was developing a new town website in anticipation of the event, creating an opportunity for Blakely to work with a company whose community-focused approach had already caught her attention.
“I’d heard great things about what Letterpress and Founder Ilsa Loeser were doing in the community,” Blakely recalled.
What started as a contractor role soon grew into something more.
“When Ilsa asked if I was interested in learning the business side of the company, I said, ‘Sure.’ That’s how I became COO, taking on things like invoicing and human resources.”
A People-First Approach to Leadership
Supporting people has always been at the heart of Blakely’s work. Before joining Letterpress, she earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and served as Minister of Discipleship at Farmville United Methodist Church. She soon discovered that her experience in ministry translated naturally to her work in business operations and human resources.
“I learned that my ministry hat fits really well with HR,” Blakely said. “I wanted Letterpress to be a place where talented people could build a meaningful career and feel proud of their work. That trickles down — it’s all part of the big picture.”
Blakely's desire to help others succeed isn't limited to her work at Letterpress. She also serves as a professional birth doula, a non-medical professional who offers support before, during and after a childbirth. It's a role that earned her a fitting nickname from the Letterpress team: “the business doula.”
“Stepping into the acting CEO role, I believe the doula philosophy is fitting,” she said. “Letterpress also supports its clients by helping to amplify their work. Whether it’s by telling clients’ stories, strengthening communication or advocating for funding, Letterpress plays that supporting role.”
Supporting Small Businesses and Rural Communities
Marketing isn't always easy to navigate, especially when you're running a small business. That's where Blakely sees an opportunity for Letterpress to make a difference.
“That’s what’s so wonderful about working for Letterpress,” she related. “It’s all about helping businesses and organizations that just don’t have the time or don’t understand available resources. Sometimes they just don’t know how to take that first step. Helping them take that step is what we do.”
Recognizing a growing need for accessible marketing education in rural communities, Letterpress has expanded its marketing workshops to help more small business owners gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle their own marketing challenges. The workshops build on the agency's longstanding commitment to education and collaboration, offering practical guidance to businesses that may not have the resources for ongoing marketing support.
“We continually look for ways to support small businesses in our rural localities,” Blakely noted. “Our workshop series has been effective in supporting small business owners that can’t afford a one-on-one relationship with Letterpress. The more we can find creative ways to offer our services, the better.”
What's Next for Letterpress Communications?
In her dual leadership role, Blakely will oversee the agency's day-to-day operations while taking on broader responsibilities as acting CEO.
She'll continue working alongside a leadership team focused on strengthening client relationships and supporting the agency's reach. Director of Community Success Jenn Kinne oversees Letterpress's project managers and client satisfaction, while Director of Growth and Partnerships Ronda Gentry continues her work in project management while taking on an expanded role in business development.
Director of Community Success Jenn Kinne (left) and Director of Growth and Partnerships Ronda Gentry (right).
“One of the things I love most is that Letterpress is truly a community partner with our clients,” Gentry said. “This role is about more than bringing in new business. It’s about finding the right people to work alongside and creating opportunities for all of us to grow together.”
For Letterpress founder Ilsa Loeser, developing leaders has always been an important part of building a successful organization.
“I've always believed that good leadership isn't about making yourself indispensable. It's about building a team that's ready to lead and grow,” Loeser said. “I have every confidence in Lyndsie, Jenn, Ronda and the team as they carry Letterpress forward.”
Blakely shares that confidence in the team and the agency's future.
“We’re excited for what’s to come,” Blakely said. “Letterpress has a very strong team, and we’re positioned well for whatever the future brings.”